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South Dakota knew what it needed and, judging exclusively by the numbers, it looks like they got it.

More than half of the 31 high school football standouts that inked a National Letter of Intent with the Coyotes Wednesday (Feb. 1) will play either offensive or defensive line. There's no way to know if any of them will make an immediate impact, the added depth

Size may have been the primary focus, but speed and athleticism were also attributes that were emphasized by Bob Nielson and his staff during this most recent recruiting cycle. Those things are represented across the board, but particularly at positions like running back, wide receiver and defensive back.

Overall, it sounds like the consensus is that this class - dubbed AlphaPack17 - has the chance to be pretty special.

"As of now it's the best I've been around," said one assistant. "Never had this many kids turn down FBS schools."

The true evaluation of these signees is a few years down the road. But for a program that's eager to take the next step in both the Missouri Valley Football Conference and the FCS, initial excitement and paper-backed potential is a good foundation to set.